ALGIERS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Thursday paid a visit to Algeria, marking the first high-level Syrian diplomatic visit since the establishment of Syria's new administration.
Al-Shibani was received by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the presence of Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and other senior officials, the President Office said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, the Syrian foreign chief also held talks with Attaf followed by expanded talks involving delegations from both countries.
According to a statement by the foreign ministry, the two top diplomats reviewed the state of bilateral relations and explored prospects for enhancing cooperation in a manner reflecting the historic ties between the Algerian and Syrian people.
During the talks, the two countries agreed to reactivate bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including a joint high committee and the Algerian-Syrian business council, in addition to setting up sectoral working groups to define priority areas of cooperation, particularly in energy, agriculture, mining, transport, and training.
On regional and international issues, the two sides exchanged views on developments in the Arab region and Africa, stressing the importance of promoting peaceful solutions to crises and conflicts threatening regional and international stability, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Algerian Ministry of Hydrocarbons said in a statement that Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab also held a meeting with al-Shibani.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in exploration and production activities, drilling services, oil and gas field development, refining, petrochemicals, as well as the distribution and marketing of petroleum products, according to the statement. ■